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When Naruto ended years ago, many fans were satisfied with the picture-perfect conclusion to his long and difficult journey. Once an outcast shunned by the Leaf Village, Naruto fulfilled his dreams and became a hero admired by all. However, with the story continuing in theBorutomanga, many fans are now asking whetherBorutotakes away the ending Naruto truly deserved.
To this day, fans remain divided when it comes to theBorutomanga. Some fans like the story so far, but others are conflicted, mainly because of the inconsistent power scaling, heavy use of modern technology, and, especially, how the generation of ninjas led by Naruto and Sasuke is portrayed. While it’s natural for the older generation to take a backseat, many fans are still upset overhowBorutotreats Naruto, feeling it undermines the journey and the ending he fought so hard to earn.
The Bittersweet Ending of Naruto
A Hard-Won Peace
By theend of Naruto’s story, the world is finally at peace, with all the hidden villages united and on good terms. Everyone has acknowledged Naruto as a true hero, someone who overcame powerful opponents like Kaguya Otsutsuki and helped reshape the world. In addition, he inspired the younger generation to inherit the Will of Fire and pursue their dreams despite the loneliness, suffering, rejection, and prejudice that comes with it.
“When you have a connection to a friend … friendship can change the world in unbelievable ways.” —Naruto
Most importantly, Naruto and Sasuke finally ended their long-standing rivalry, breaking the cycle of pain, hatred, and revenge. In other words, Naruto had a fairytale-like ending,especially after he married Hinataand succeeded Kakashi as the Seventh Hokage. However, peace was short-lived, as theBorutomanga throws the world in grave danger again, while Naruto and Sasuke are repeatedly sidelined by the new generation.
Naruto Lost a Core Piece of Who He Is
A Devastating Trade
TheBorutoseries introducesBaryon Mode, Naruto’s powerful transformation, which he uses to fight Isshiki Otsutsuki. However, this power comes at a devastating and heartbreaking cost, as Naruto loses his closest companion, the Nine-Tails Fox, Kurama. This moment deeply upset many fans of the original series, as Kurama was a core part of Naruto’s identity that no one expected to be taken away.
“Listen, he was full of weaknesses. He was a good-for-nothing. You don’t need to understand who Naruto is now. You need to know about the Naruto who made it this far."—Sasuke
Naturally,Naruto became significantly weaker after losing Kurama. He was no longer the strongest shinobi, disappointing hardcore fans in the process. Worse, characters weaker than him inBorutobegan treating him as a liability, someone who constantly needs rescuing and protection to keep him from dying.
Gone is the Naruto who once fought godlike enemies head-on and prevented cosmic-level threats, just like Sasuke, who lost his Rinnegan. Despite their years of training, legendary status, and vast experience, both of these powerful shinobis are nearly incapacitated in the most crucial battles inBoruto.
Naruto’s World Moves on Without Him
Did Boruto’s Journey Dimmed Naruto’s Legacy?
One of the most frustrating elements ofBorutois how often Naruto is sidelined to make room for new characters and powers. While it’s understandable that he’s no longer the main focus—since the story centers on Boruto—the new villains are far more powerful, often overshadowing Naruto’s presence and legacy in the process. The degree to which Naruto, or even Sasuke, is sidelined is jarring, as they are often outclassed in major battles. Worse, both of them are missing in action in the latest chapters ofTwo Blue Vortex, waiting for the next generation to free and save them.
“Even if times change, the soul of a shinobi remains the same."—Sasuke
This wouldn’t be an issue among hardcore Naruto fans if onlyNaruto and Sasuke’s declinefelt more natural. Instead, it often seems like Naruto and Sasuke are deliberately weakened just to give an opportunity for Boruto and the next generation to have their moment to shine. The power scaling feels off, as it doesn’t just affect Naruto’s strength but also his relevance to the story.
So, Did Boruto Rob Naruto of the Ending He Deserved?
Yes, but Not Entirely
For many fans of Naruto, the answer leans more on yes, owing tothe loss of Kurama, the undoing of peace, his diminished power, and Kawaki’s sealing. Still, it’s undeniable that Naruto has had some good and meaningful moments inBoruto, where fans saw him in the most realistic but flawed way. For instance, how he handles his children and leads the village as its Hokage.
However, the number of setbacks and sidelining Naruto receives inBorutonearly feels like his character is being reversed rather than continued. After all, the happy ending that Naruto worked hard to achieve in his original series continues to be altered inBoruto. Ultimately, whether this is disappointing or acceptable still comes down to personal preference.
